Doreen Gallegos to run for re-election in District 52

LAS CRUCES - State Rep. Doreen Gallegos, D-Doña Ana County, who serves as the majority whip for the House of Representatives, is running for re-election in District 52.

“I have been honored to serve my constituents in District 52 for six years,” Gallegos said in a statement issued Thursday. “I am asking my constituents to send me back to Santa Fe for another term because there is still more work to do.”

In a news release, Gallegos pointed out some of her victories for District 52 during the most recent legislative session.

“I was able to bring home critical capital dollars to fund projects in Anthony, Vado and the Talavera area and I worked with my fellow Dona Ana colleagues to fund other projects in our county," she said. "My Small Business Saturday Tax Holiday was signed into law which provides some tax relief for all New Mexicans and supports small businesses. I also co-sponsored a bill to help survivors of crime.”

Gallegos also cited her experience in the House and her ability to pass legislation.

This legislation includes measures that encourage pregnant and parenting high school students to stay in school; allow medical students at the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine to be treated the same as UNM Medical School students; and assist school personnel to better track foster children in school to ensure they succeed.

Gallegos said she has also helped purchase body cameras for police and funded past projects at New Mexico State University, Las Alturas and Berino.

“My focus is helping children and families — and my legislative record proves it,” Gallegos said.

“I believe my constituents deserve to know who they are voting for, what their priorities are and how they will work to make sure District 52 succeeds," she said. "I welcome the opportunity to hold public meetings and debates with my opponents, so District 52 feels confident about my knowledge and my record. I hope my opponents will take me up on this offer."

Gallegos is facing a challenger, Jaime Gonzalez Castillo, in the Democratic primary. The winner of the June primary will go on to face Republican David L. Cheek in the general election in November.

As majority whip, Gallegos is the third-ranking member of leadership in the House of Representatives.

Gallegos’ day job is being the executive director of the Mesilla Valley Court Appointed Special Advocates program. She has bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from NMSU.